Great North Run

Fundraising for Dyspraxia Foundation

We aim to improve awareness & understanding to support all those affected by dyspraxia

Charity Registration No. 1058352

Story

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4 years ago I lost my dad, and I spent hours and miles fundraising for the British Heart Foundation. Thus taking part in my first ever half marathon. I loved it and for the last 2 years I have applied for a ballot place, wanting to enjoy the run without any added pressures of having minimum fundraising targets to meet. This year I sucessfully got a ballot place. However old habits die hard and so I have decided I would like if possible to raise a little money for another charity.

This year I have decided to run for a lesser known charity The Dyspraxia Foundation.

The reason for choosing this charity is because earlier this year a very special little girl in my life was diagnosed with this condition, A little ignorant maybe but prior to her diagnosis I had never really heard much about this condition, I'm guessing pretty much all of you readying this will probably be the same as me.

So what is Dyspraxia.......

Dyspraxia, a form of developmenal co-ordination disorder (DCD) is a common disorder affecting fine and/or gross motor co-ordination in children and adults, it may also affect speech. DCD is a lifelong condition, formally recognised by international organisations including the World Health Organisation (WHO). DCD is distinct from other motor disorders such as Cerebral Palsy and Stroke, and occurs across the range of intellectual abilities. Individuals may vary in how their difficultuies present: these may change over time depending on enviromental and life experiences. An individuals co-ordinator difficulties may affect participation and functioning of everyday life skills in education work and enmployment. Childrem may present with difficulties with self-car, writing. typing, riding a bike and play, as well as other educational and recreational activities. In adulthood many of these difficulties will continue, as well as learning new skills at home, in education, work,driving a car and DIY. There may be a range of co-occurring difficulties which can also have serious negative impacts on daily life. These include social and emotional difficulties as well as problems with time management, plannning and personal organisation, and these may also affect an adults education or employment experiences.

Many people with DCD also experience difficulties with memory, perception and processing. While DCD is often regarded as an umbrella term to cover motor co-ordination difficulties, dyspraxia refers to those people with additional issues with planning, organising and carrying out movements in the right order in everyday situations. Dyspraxia can also affect artiulation and speech and thought.

Although the exact cause of Dyspraxia is unknown, it is thought to be caused by a disruption in the way messages from the brain are tramsitted to the body. This affects a person ability to perform movements in a smooth and co-ordinated way

What does the Dyspraxia Foundation do?

The Dyspraxia Fundation is a country wide charity founded in 1987, original know as the Dyspraxia Trust by two mothers, who met at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children. After their children had been diagnosed with Dyspraxia they were astonished and dismayed to discover that no facilites exsisted to help or inform parents and children about this condition. They decided to form their own group to help others and themselves. From the very beginning they encouraged others to join the group and then to set up their own local sub groups to support families who are effected by Dyspraxia. The foundation seeks every opportunity to increase the understanding of Dyspraxia, and our committed to raise awareness to healthcare and educational professionals, to ensure those who have the condtion are assited in the best way possible.

" Sarah" who is an 8 year old Dyspraxia suffer says " Everyone says I'm stupid, but I am not. I wish someone could understand what is is like to be. I feel so fed up and lonely!"

I hate to think my beautiful little Phoebe will feel the same as Sarah. They are not stupid, they have a genuine illness, that very few people understand, it doesnt mater how much I raise, I will just be happy to know that it will be going towards raising awareness and support for people suffering from this condition.

Dyspraxia is surprisingly common in both adults and children , but it is a hidden condition which is still poorly understood unless affected by it.

Many Thanks!!!

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About the charity

The Dyspraxia Foundation supports those with dyspraxia, their families and professionals. We raise awareness, understanding and are funded by voluntary donations and membership subscriptions. We publish literature, organise conferences and support through local groups, social networks and a helpline